EXPERT ADVICE
Energy efficient heating solutions for your home
Updated 06/26
By: Olivia Scammell
Reviewed: Laura Macdonald
Looking for ways to reduce your energy bills and future-proof your home? Upgrading your heating system can improve comfort, lower your carbon footprint and, in some cases, reduce running costs too. From heat pumps and biomass boilers to smarter electric heating controls, there are several options available.
In this guide, we'll explain how the main energy-efficient heating systems work, what they cost and which homes they're best suited to.
Quick snapshot: energy-efficient heating solutions
Air source heat pumps can be a low-carbon alternative to gas, oil and LPG heating
Ground source heat pumps offer high efficiency but usually have higher installation costs
Biomass boilers may be eligible for government support in certain circumstances
Smart electric heating controls can help reduce wasted energy and improve comfort
What kind of energy-efficient heating systems are there?
There are several ways to make your home's heating more efficient, from replacing your heating system altogether to making smarter use of the one you already have. Below, we'll look at some of the most common options, how they work and what they typically cost.
It's worth noting how low-carbon fuel options are the best solutions for households looking to future-proof their homes.
When you take into account how over half the UK's energy bills are due to heating our homes and water, systems that make heating more efficient and/or manageable are essential. This will also reduce your carbon footprint and monthly energy bills.
Air source heat pumps
This low-carbon technology is a fantastic alternative to oil, LPG and gas. These units not only save energy and reduce your carbon footprint, but they're relatively easy to install.
There are two options to choose from; air-to-air and air-to-water pumps.
Air-to-air heat pumps absorb the outside air and transfer it into your home via a fan system
Air-to-water pumps absorb outside air and transfer it via your central heating system to heat your hot water, radiators and underfloor heating (sometimes all three!)
The main downside to an air source heat pump is reduced efficiency below zero degrees Celsius. You will need to have an already well-insulated home when installing an air source heat pump.
They're also a little pricey to install. For example, most units will set you back around £3,000–£15,000 (supply and installation). However, this is greatly reduced if you qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Read our air source heat pump cost guide for more information.
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Ground source heat pumps
With high-efficiency rates and low running costs, ground source heat pumps are excellent options for homeowners looking for greener heating alternatives. These units work by utilising the ground's consistent temperature to heat your home or water (or both).
Although they're one of the better units on the market in terms of effectiveness, they're expensive to install. The cost to install a 4-12kW heat pump is, on average, £14,000 (supply and installation).
However, if you're eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can secure £7,500 in government funding to offset the overheads. Simply apply through the government website to see your eligibility.
Read our guide: How much does a ground source heat pump cost? for more information.
Biomass boilers
Biomass boilers burn renewable fuels, such as wood pellets, chips or logs, to provide heating and hot water. They're often considered by homeowners who live off the gas grid and want a lower-carbon alternative to oil or LPG.
While fuel storage space is needed, biomass boilers can provide reliable heating and may qualify for government support in some circumstances.
Pros and cons of biomass boilers
However, like most energy-generating products, biomass isn't perfect. Although it's renewable, using biomass energy plants comes with its own set of pros and cons.
For example, bioenergy is a reliable type of renewable energy due to its wide availability, and harvesting biomass for electricity means reducing the waste going to landfill.
But, it's also expensive to gather, transport, and store, meaning it requires more land space to produce.
That said, the pros and cons depend on the type of biomass collected and how it's used, which is why it's worth finding out the source of your biomass fuel before committing to this greener boiler alternative.
Biomass boilers tend to cost between £19,000–£31,000, but are also part of the BUS scheme, through which you could get up to £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler.
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Energy efficient electric heating
If you currently have electric heating, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient solution to offset the rising fuel costs.
Although electric heaters are notoriously expensive compared to their gas counterparts, they've come a long way in terms of technology and efficiency in recent years.
Newer storage heaters and electric radiators are equipped with various smart solutions for controlling the amount of heat they produce and waste.
For example, smart control systems let homeowners heat individual rooms instead of the whole house.
Plus, accurate thermostats allow you to maintain an even temperature 24 hours a day. They also let you change times and settings (even when you're not at home) and turn your heating on and off via an app on your phone. Some technology can also detect open windows.
Alternative solutions to efficiently heating your home
Upgrade your boiler
The government is encouraging the transition to low-carbon heating systems, particularly in new homes, although gas boilers can still be installed in most existing properties.
If you're considering upgrading or replacing your current boiler with one that has a higher energy rating, a combi or electric boiler could be a good option if you pick the right model.
A boiler engineer can help provide guidance and advice.
Boiler servicing
If you're happy with your current boiler, then consider servicing it before the winter to make sure it's up to spec and doesn't conk out on you mid-snowstorm.
Our boiler service cost guide has everything you need to know about how much this will set you back.
Expect to pay around £100 for a gas boiler service.
Install solar water heating panels
For a clean and efficient water heating alternative, consider installing thermal solar panels on your roof.
Solar thermal systems use energy from the sun to help heat water for your home. They're often installed alongside an existing boiler or immersion heater to provide hot water throughout the year.
The average cost to install solar water heating panels is £4,500.
However, this will vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether you need scaffolding or whether you're using your existing gas boiler to heat your water.
Read our guide to the latest green home grants and schemes for current funding information.
Which energy-efficient heating solution is right for you?
Air source heat pump: Good for well-insulated homes looking to reduce carbon emissions
Ground source heat pump: Suitable for homes with sufficient outdoor space and long-term plans
Biomass boiler: Often considered by rural properties that aren't connected to the gas grid
Smart electric heating controls: A practical upgrade if you're not ready to replace your heating system
Find renewable energy experts near you
The right heating solution will depend on your property, budget and long-term plans.
Speaking to a qualified installer can help you understand which options are practical for your home and whether any grants or funding schemes may be available to help with the cost. Compare quotes from checked renewable energy engineers working in your area and get expert advice tailored to your property.
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